FR3105445A1 - METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SUBMERSIBLE APPLICATION OF A FLUTE COATING ON GEOPHYSICAL FLUES - Google Patents

Abstract

The embodiments generally relate to marine geophysical surveys. More particularly, the embodiments relate to a submerged application system (4) for applying a streamer coating (78) to a surface of a streamer (6). One embodiment may include a marine geophysical survey system. The marine geophysical survey system may include a streamer (6) and a submerged application system (4) operative to apply a streamer coating (78) to the streamer (6) while the submerged application system (4) moves axially along the streamer (6). Fig. 5

Description

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SUBMERSIBLE APPLICATION OF A FLUTE COATING ON GEOPHYSICAL FLUES

CONTEXT

Marine geophysical survey techniques include seismic surveys and electromagnetic surveys, in which geophysical data can be collected from below the Earth's surface. Geophysical surveys have applications in the exploration for and production of minerals and energy to help identify and monitor oil formation locations. Some types of marine geophysical surveys, such as seismic or electromagnetic surveys, can include towing an energy source to a selected depth, usually above the seabed, in a body of water. One or more streamers may also be towed through the water at selected depths, usually above the ocean floor, by the same or another vessel. Streamers are usually cables which include a plurality of sensors disposed thereon at locations spaced along the length of the cable. Some geophysical surveys place sensors on cables or ocean floor nodes, in addition to, or instead of, streamers. Power sources can be configured to generate a signal that is related to a parameter measured by the sensor. At selected times, the energy source can be actuated to generate, for example, seismic or electromagnetic energy that travels downward into the subsurface rock. Energy that interacts with interfaces, usually at the boundaries between layers of rock formations, can be reflected back to the surface and detected by sensors on the streamers. The detected energy can be used to infer certain properties of the subsurface rock, such as structure, mineral composition and fluid content, thus providing useful information for oil recovery.

Unfortunately, marine organisms are able to adhere to and then grow on almost anything placed in the water for extended periods of time, including cables from marine geophysical sensors such as streamers or towed ocean floor cables. For convenience, any such marine geophysical sensor cable will be referred to herein as a "streamer". A streamer can include a streamer that includes seismic sensors, electromagnetic sensors, or any combination thereof.

The growth of marine organisms (also known as bio-fouling) often refers to the growth of cirripeds, but it is also intended to include the growth of mussels, oysters, algae, bacteria, tubeworms , biofilm and other marine organisms. This marine growth is particularly problematic with streamers as it can increase the drag resistance of the streamer, resulting in increased fuel costs and / or reduced production speed. Another issue related to marine growth includes reduced data quality due to increased noise in recorded data.

The invention relates to a submerged application system, comprising:
a housing suitable for mounting on a flute;
a cistern coupled to the housing;
a delivery device coupled to the housing and configured to direct a streamer liner from the cistern onto the streamer passing through the housing; and
a fluidic link which places the cistern in fluid communication with the dispensing device.

In some embodiments, the cistern is configured to contain the streamer liner.

In some embodiments, the tank is configured to contain compressed gas.

In some embodiments, the flute coating comprises at least one wax selected from a group consisting of animal wax, vegetable wax, petroleum wax, polyethylene wax, and a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the flute coating comprises a lanolin wax.

In some embodiments, the dispensing device includes a plurality of nozzles configured to spray the streamer coating to apply the streamer coating to the streamer.

In some embodiments, the plurality of nozzles are positioned around a circumference of the streamer.

In some embodiments, the dispensing device includes a mounting bracket configured to support the plurality of nozzles.

In some embodiments, the mounting bracket includes a hinge configured to open and close the mounting bracket.

In some embodiments, the dispensing device includes a brush applicator, roller, sponge, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the submerged application system further includes a valve configured to regulate a flow of the streamer liner from the cistern to the dispensing device.

In some embodiments, the valve is configured to open or close to a predetermined depth in response to hydraulic pressure.

In some embodiments, the valve is configured to open or close in response to movement of the submerged delivery system along the streamer.

In some embodiments, the submerged application system further includes a plurality of tanks coupled to the housing.

In some embodiments, the submerged dispensing system further includes a streamer guide at a first end of the housing for receiving the streamer, wherein the dispensing device is located at a second end of the housing.

In some embodiments, the submerged application system further includes a plurality of cleaning elements coupled to the housing and positioned around a circumference of the streamer to engage the streamer.

In some embodiments, the tank has a hydrodynamic shape for submerged movement.

The invention also relates to a method comprising:
fixing a submerged application system on a streamer;
moving the submerged application system along a length of the streamer in a body of water while the streamer is towed through the body of water; and
spraying a streamer coating from the submerged application system onto the streamer as the submerged application system moves along the streamer in the body of water.

In some embodiments, spraying the streamer coating from the submerged application system includes spraying a wax onto the streamer.

In some embodiments, spraying the streamer coating from the application system includes spraying lanolin wax onto the streamer.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises scraping the streamer to clean the streamer prior to applying the streamer coating, and spraying the streamer coating comprises flowing the streamer coating from a pressure vessel to through nozzles and then onto the flute.

These drawings illustrate certain aspects of some of the embodiments of the present invention and should not be used to limit or define the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of marine seismic surveys which employs a submerged application system.

FIG.2A illustrates one embodiment of a submerged dispensing system control system that includes a mechanical valve.

FIG. 2B illustrates one embodiment of the submersible dispensing system control system that includes an electromechanical valve. FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a flute liner on a flute.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the submerged application system coupled to a streamer cleaning unit (SCU).

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the submerged dispensing system coupled to the SCU.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of multiple cisterns for delivering a streamer liner to a streamer that is submerged in a body of water.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a dispensing device of the submerged application system. FIG. 8 illustrates a diagram depicting an operational sequence for the submerged dispensing system, in accordance with the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to particular devices or methods, which of course may vary. It is also understood that the terminology used here is intended only to describe particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. All of the numbers and ranges disclosed here could vary to some extent. As long as a numeric range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range that fall within the range are specifically disclosed. While only individual embodiments are discussed here, the invention nonetheless covers all combinations of all such embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "a," "the" and "the" include references to the singular and plural, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Further, the word "power" is used throughout this application in a permissive sense (i.e. to have the potential for, to be capable of), and not in a mandatory sense (i.e. say: must). The term "include" and its derivatives mean "including, but not limited to". The term "coupled" means connected directly or indirectly.

The embodiments generally relate to marine geophysical surveys. More particularly, the embodiments relate to a submerged application system for applying a streamer coating to a surface of a streamer. The flute coating can be applied to the flute while it is submerged. The submerged application system can also be at least partially submerged while the coating is being applied to the streamer. The streamer coating can protect the streamer by preventing the growth of marine organisms, which would otherwise interfere with the function of the streamer. Therefore, by applying the streamer coating, the operation of the streamer in marine surveys can be improved.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a marine geophysical survey system 2 which employs a submerged application system 4 is illustrated in accordance with the embodiments of the disclosure. As will be discussed in more detail below, in some embodiments, the submerged application system 4 may be operative to apply a streamer coating to a streamer 6. The streamer 6 may include a long cable (or a string). another elongated structure) on which geophysical sensors 8 may be disposed at spaced locations along the length of streamer 6. In some embodiments, the marine geophysical survey system 2 may include a plurality of submerged application systems 4 configured. for applying the streamer coating to a plurality of streamers 6. The streamer coating may be any substance configured to limit the growth of marine organisms on the streamer. The flute coating can include animal wax, vegetable wax, petroleum wax, polyethylene wax, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the flute coating includes lanolin.

In the illustrated embodiment, the marine geophysical survey system 2 can include a hydrographic vessel 10 to which the plurality of streamers can be coupled. The survey vessel 10 can move along a surface 12 of a body of water 14, such as a lake or an ocean. Survey vessel 10 may include on-board equipment, generally shown as 16 and collectively referred to herein as a "recording system". The recording system 16 may include computers or devices (e.g., storage devices, microprocessors, etc. (none shown separately)) for detecting and performing time-indexed recording of generated signals. by each of the geophysical sensors 8 (explained below) and to activate an energy source 18 at selected times. The recording system 16 may also include devices (none shown separately) for determining the geodetic location of the survey vessel 10 and various geophysical sensors 8.

In some embodiments, the survey vessel 10 or other vessel may tow the at least one streamer 6 on which the geophysical sensors 8 may be disposed. As illustrated, the power source 18 and the at least one streamer 6 may be towed over a water bottom 20. The at least one streamer 6 may be a towed marine seismic streamer, a towed marine electromagnetic streamer. or a combination of these. Although not shown, some marine seismic surveys place geophysical sensors 8 on cables or nodes in the ocean floor in addition to, or in place of, streamer 6. As illustrated, geophysical sensors 8 may be arranged at spaced locations on the streamer 6. The geophysical sensors 8 can be, without limitation, seismic sensors such as geophones, hydrophones or accelerometers, or electromagnetic field sensors, such as electrodes or magnetometers. The geophysical sensors 8 can generate response signals, such as electrical or optical signals, in response to the detection of energy emitted from an energy source 18 after the energy has interacted with formations 22 below the bottom of the earth. 20. In some embodiments, more than one streamer 6 may be towed by survey vessel 10 or other vessel, and streamers 6 may be spaced apart laterally, vertically, or both laterally and vertically. The detected energy can be used to infer certain properties of the subsurface rock, such as structure, mineral composition and fluid content, thus providing useful information for the recovery of hydrocarbons and / or minerals.

According to embodiments, a geophysical data product can be produced. The geophysical data product may include geophysical data and may be stored on a non-transient, tangible computer readable medium. The geophysical data product can be produced at sea (e.g., by equipment on a ship) or on land (e.g., in an onshore facility), either within the United States. , or in another country. If the geophysical data product is produced at sea or in another country, it may be imported onshore to a facility in the United States or another country. Once ashore, geophysical analysis, including other data processing, can be performed on the geophysical data product.

In some embodiments, the submerged application system 4 may be operative to apply the streamer coating to the streamer 6 while the latter is being towed by the survey vessel. The submerged application system 4 can move along the streamer 6 to apply the streamer coating. In some embodiments, submerged application system 4 can be coupled to a streamer cleaning unit 24 ("SCU 24") configured to move along streamer 6. SCU 24 may be configured to scrape or clean a growth of marine organisms from streamer 6 as it moves along streamer 6. In some embodiments, submerged application system 4 can be configured to apply the streamer coating to streamer 6 after SCU 24 has scraped or cleaned the growth of marine organisms from streamer 6. Streamer coating may be applied to streamer 6 using any suitable technique including, but not limited to, spray nozzles, brushes, etc.

FIG. 2A illustrates by way of example an automated control system 26 of the submerged application system (e.g., the submerged application system 4 as shown in FIG. 1), in accordance with certain modes of operation. realization of the present disclosure. The control system 26 may include a regulator or valve 28 configured to regulate a flow rate of the streamer liner through the submerged application system based on a depth and / or movement of one. flute (e.g., a flute 6 as shown in FIG. 1). Valve 28 can open and close based on ambient pressure (eg, hydraulic pressure) in a body of water and may not require user intervention. Valve 28 is a non-limiting example of control system 26, and other suitable regulators, valves and / or control systems may be used, which should be understood by those skilled in the art, with the advantage of this. disclosure.

In some embodiments, the control system 26 can be configured to cause activation of the submerged application system (e.g., dispense coating or film) based, at least in part, on a movement of the submerged application system. As illustrated, valve 28 can include a body 30 which can include a first chamber 32 and a second chamber 34 which are separated by a diaphragm 36. Diaphragm 36 can be made of a flexible material such as rubber or plastic, which can be made from a flexible material such as rubber or plastic. move on the basis of ambient water pressure. An exterior, movable and rigid part 38 of the body 30 can be fixed against or in contact with a spring 40 which can be disposed inside the first chamber 32. The spring 40 can extend between the part 38 and the diaphragm. 36 and get in touch with them. The first chamber 32 and the second chamber 34 can be sealed (eg, against seawater). In some embodiments, seals 42 such as O-ring (s) may be disposed around portion 38.

A third chamber44 can be placed inside the second chamber34. The second chamber 34 may be in fluid communication with the third chamber 44 via a passage 46 disposed between the second chamber 34 and the third chamber 44. A plug or seal48 may extend from the third chamber44 to the second chamber34. As illustrated, the sealing element 48 may extend through the passage 46 from a wall 50 of the third chamber 44. A distal end52 of the seal member48 may contact the diaphragm36. The sealing element48 can extend through a spring54 which extends from the wall50 towards the passage46. The spring54 may include an end cap56 which abuts against a flange58 of the sealing element48. The spring54 can be compressed between the flange58 and the wall50 of the third chamber44. The flange58 can seal against the passage46. In some embodiments, ambient water pressure (e.g., a threshold pressure) indicated by a directional arrow60 can cause part38 to move inward to compress it and cause the spring40 to push against it. the diaphragm 36. Ambient water pressure may depend on the depth and / or movement of the submerged application system4 and / or the flute6. As the diaphragm36 is pushed inward or flexed, the flange58 of the sealing member48 is moved away from the passage46, thereby compressing the spring54 in the third chamber44 against the wall50 and allowing pressurized fluid to enter the third chamber44 via an entrance62 to enter the second chamber34 through the passage46. The inlet62 can be coupled to a high pressure source, a cistern or a container, for example. Pressurized fluid can exit the second chamber 34 via an outlet 64 which can be coupled to a dispensing device, in some embodiments. When the ambient water pressure is below a threshold pressure, the springs 40 and 54 can expand to their initial uncompressed or relaxed configuration to close the passage46 and prevent any fluid in the third chamber44 from passing to the second. room34. It should be noted that the stiffness of the springs can be chosen based on a desired depth (e.g., a predetermined depth) of operation or survey vessel speed10 or environmental conditions at sea. For example, a More rigid spring can be used for depths with higher pressures, while less rigid springs can be used for shallower depths with lower pressures. The valve28 may allow the submerged application system4 (e.g., shown in FIG. 1) to dispense the streamer liner in response to the submerged application system moving along the streamer and / or reaching a threshold pressure of ambient water or a depth.

As previously stated, valve28 is a non-limiting example of control system26, and other suitable regulators, valves or control systems may be used, which should be understood by those skilled in the art, with the advantage of this. disclosure. In some embodiments, the valve 28 can be replaced with an electromechanical valve such as a solenoid valve.

FIG. 2B illustrates the control system 26, including an electromechanical valve 66, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The electromechanical valve66 can be in communication (e.g., wire or wireless) with a motion detector68, a depth gauge70, a pressure sensor72 and / or a speed sensor74. The electromechanical valve66 can pass a fluid through an inlet63 and an outlet65. In some embodiments, the inlet 63 can be coupled to a high pressure source, a tank, or a vessel. The output 65 can be coupled to a distribution device, for example. The electromechanical valve66 can be configured to open or close based on detected movement, depth, pressure and / or speed measurements. In some embodiments, a computer76 that is in communication with the electromechanical valve66 and associated sensor components (e.g., motion detector68, depth gauge70, pressure sensor72, and / or speed sensor74) can be programmed to open or close the electromechanical valve66 based on threshold values for motion detection, depth, pressure and / or speed, thereby distributing the streamer liner. Computer76 can be located on SCU24 or on the submerged application system4, as shown in FIG. 1, for example. Computer76 may include one or more processing devices, and memory may include one or more non-transient, tangible computer readable media. By way of example, such computer readable media may include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM or optical disc memory, magnetic disc memory or other magnetic memory devices, or any other medium. which can be used to transport or store desired program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and to which the processor or other processor-based devices (e.g., mobile devices) can access. In some embodiments, the memory is configured to store control instructions executable by the processor to output various control system signals. For example, the processor can execute control device instructions to activate the submerged application system4 by opening or closing the electromechanical valve66.

FIG. 3 illustrates streamer 6 with streamer liner 78, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. As previously described, the streamer coating78 can be applied to a streamer6 while the streamer is being towed by the survey vessel. The streamer coating 78 can also be applied to streamer components (not shown), such as locator controllers that include one or more wings, for example. The streamer liner78 can be of any suitable thickness based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, water temperature, type of streamer liner, and system travel speed. application submerged along the flute. In some embodiments, the streamer liner 78 can be from about 0.01 millimeter to about 1 millimeter thick. It should be understood that the present embodiments are not to be limited to the range disclosed for the thickness of the streamer liner78, but rather, in some embodiments, the streamer liner78 may have a thickness outside of this range. Beach.

FIGS. 4 and 5 respectively illustrate a top view and a side view of one embodiment of the submerged application system4. As illustrated, the submerged application system4 can be disposed along the streamer6 which is towed by the survey vessel10 (e.g., shown in FIG. 1). The submerged application system4 can at least include a dispenser80 in fluid communication with a cistern82 configured to provide the streamer coating78 (e.g., shown in FIG. 3) to the dispenser80. The distribution device80 can be coupled (e.g., soldered) to the housing84 of the SCU24. The cistern82 may include any suitable receptacle to provide the streamer lining78, such as a pressure vessel or a pressurized cistern. The tank82 can have a hydrodynamic shape and can be mounted against any part of the SCU24. The SCU24 can be secured against the submerged application system4. For example, the SCU24 can be secured against the submerged application system4 via the straps86. As another example, the tank82 can be coupled or secured to a frame or to the housing84 of the SCU24 via straps86 (e.g., made of polymer) extending around the tank82 and coupled to the housing84 via a buckle. or a ratchet device88, as shown in FIG. 5.

In some embodiments, the dispensing device 80 includes a plurality of nozzles 90, as shown in FIG. 5. The plurality of nozzles 90 can be configured to direct the streamer coating78 onto the streamer6. The nozzles90 can be located near a plurality of cleaning elements such as scrapers92 of the SCU24, so that the nozzles90 can apply the streamer coating after the SCU24 has cleaned the streamer6. The plurality of scrapers 92 may be coupled to the housing 84. The plurality of nozzles 90 can be arranged in any suitable configuration. In some embodiments, there may be six or more nozzles90 arranged around streamer6 so that streamer liner78 (e.g., shown in FIG. 3) can be distributed evenly over streamer6 (or also evenly as possible). In some embodiments, the plurality of nozzles 90 may however include less than six nozzles. In some embodiments, the plurality of nozzles90 form multiple rings which are axially offset from each other in an axial direction relative to the submerged application system4. In addition, the nozzles90 can be evenly spaced around the streamer6 to apply the streamer coating78 evenly along a circumference of the streamer6. In some embodiments, the nozzles 90 are nonetheless spaced irregularly around the streamer 6 to accommodate any streamer component disposed along it.

As previously indicated, the scrapers92 can be attached to the housing84. In some embodiments, the wipers92 may be disposed along a passage96 of the submerged application system4. As the streamer6 passes through the passage96, the scrapers92 scrape or remove impurities (e.g., cirripeds) from the streamer6, then the nozzles90 can apply the streamer coating78 (e.g., shown in FIG. 3 ) on the flute 6.

In some embodiments, the SCU24 may include guide bars94 (e.g., streamer guides) to guide the streamer6 through the passage96. Guide bars94 may be disposed on opposite sides of passage96 and may extend a length of passage96, as shown in FIG. 4. Guide bars94 can be smooth elements that tap out inward towards the passage96. In some embodiments, the guide bars94 may be disposed on or extend from a first end98 of the housing84 of the SCU24. The dispensing device 80 may be disposed on a second end 100 of the housing 84 which is opposite the first end 98. The guide bars94 do not restrict a rotational movement of the SCU24 around the flute6. Therefore, in some embodiments, the SCU24 spins freely around the streamer6 as it traverses the length of the streamer6.

As shown in FIG. 5, the tank82 can include the control system26 or can be in fluid communication with the control system26. The cistern82 may also include an inlet or fill valve102 to fill the cistern82 with substances or mixtures desired to be dispensed (e.g., the streamer liner78). The control system26 can be placed downstream of the tank82 (e.g., the input62 of the control system26 can pass contents of the tank82 through the control system26) and can release pressurized contents contained in the tank. inside the tank82 via the outlet64 of the control system26 and a conduit104 (e.g., a fluidic link) extending from the control system26 to the dispensing device80. In some embodiments, the cistern can be configured to receive an amount of streamer liner configured to cover a full axial length of the streamer. In addition, the tank82 can be filled with compressed gas via the filling valve102. In some embodiments, cistern82 includes an additional air fill valve 105, so that compressed gas and the flute liner78 can be introduced into cistern82 through separate valves.

The cistern82 may contain the streamer liner78 which can include thermoplastic polymers, such as polyurethane, polypropylene, polyamides, waxes, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the flute coating can be a wax composition that includes a wax and one or more additional materials, such as a solvent. For example, the wax composition can include lanolin wax and lanolin alcohol. Suitable solvents can include alcohols and oilseed fluids. Non-limiting examples of suitable oilseed liquids can include organic oils (eg, vegetable oils) or synthetic oils. Suitable waxes can include, but are not limited to, animal waxes, vegetable waxes, petroleum waxes, polyethylene waxes, and combinations thereof. Animal waxes can include both waxes synthesized by animals (including insects) and chemically modified versions thereof. Plant waxes can include both waxes synthesized by plants and chemically modified versions thereof. Petroleum waxes can include waxes derived from petroleum. Polyethylene waxes can include waxes derived from polyethylene. Specific examples of suitable waxes can include, but are not limited to cocoa butter, illipe butter, lanolin, cetyl palmitate, myric wax, lanolin alcohol, paraffin wax , silicone wax and sumac wax, among others. The composition of the wax can be selected with a melting point that is around the temperature of the water. In some embodiments, the wax composition may exhibit a melting point within about 2 ° C, about 5 ° C, or about 10 ° C of the water temperature. In some embodiments, the cistern82 can also include pressurized gas to propel contents from the cistern82 outward through the dispenser80 onto the streamer6. Pressurized gas can include air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or any other suitable gas. One of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure should be able to determine an appropriate gas to use for a particular application.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the submerged application system4 including a plurality of tanks82 fluidly coupled to the distribution device80 via conduits104, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the submerged application system4 may include a first cistern82 and a second cistern82, each cistern being configured to contain a mixture of compressed gas and the streamer liner78 (e.g., shown in FIG. 3). The pressure in the tanks82 can exceed ambient water pressure (e.g., indicated by the directional arrow60, shown in FIG.2A). In some embodiments, the first cistern82 may contain the compressed gas and the second cistern82 may contain the streamer liner78, and the contents may mix in the dispenser80 before being dispensed to the streamer6. In other embodiments, a gas contained in the first tank82 could be used to expel a fluid in the second tank82.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dispensing device 80, including brush applicators 106, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the brush applicators 106 may be disposed at least partially above respective nozzles of the plurality of nozzles 90. In some embodiments, the dispensing device80 may include any device (eg, roller, sponge, etc.) suitable for applying the streamer coating78 (eg, shown in FIG. 3). The flute coating 78 can be supplied to the brush applicators 106 via the plurality of nozzles 90. Brush applicators 106 can be configured to rotate around a central axis of the streamer6. In some embodiments, two or more brush applicators 106 can be positioned around the circumference of the streamer 6. Brush applicators 106 may contact the streamer6 as the submerged application system4 (e.g., shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) moves along the streamer6. Additionally, while the submerged application system4 is moving, the streamer6 may pass through an arrangement of the brush applicators106 after the SCU24 (e.g., shown in FIG. 5) has cleaned the streamer6. Brush applicators106 can be configured to rotate around the streamer6 as they apply the streamer coating78 to the streamer6.

The submerged application system4 may further include a mounting bracket108. Dispensing device80 including nozzles90 and / or brush applicators106 can be mounted against mounting bracket108. The mounting bracket 108 can be coupled to a portion of the SCU24 along the passage 96 so that the streamer6 is scraped with the scrapers92 before being sprayed by the dispenser80 while the submerged application system4 receives the streamer6 to inside the passage96 as the submerged application system4 moves along the streamer6, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, for example. In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 108 has a circular shape such that the plurality of nozzles 90 mounted against the mounting bracket 108 can form a ring around the streamer 6. The mounting bracket 108 may include a hinge 110 that is configured to open and close the mounting bracket 108 for installation. In some embodiments, the SCU24 and the submerged application system4 can be mounted on or movably disposed on or around the streamer6 after a proximal end of the streamer6 has been coupled to the survey vessel10 (e.g. , as shown in FIG. 1). Additionally, a distal end of the streamer6 can be deployed in the water14 at a distance from the survey vessel10 such that the circularly shaped mounting bracket108 cannot be threaded over either the proximal end or the distal end of the streamer. flute 6. As such, the hinge 110 can open the mounting bracket 108 so that the mounting bracket 108 can slide onto the streamer6 along any part of the streamer6. After the mounting bracket 108 slides onto the streamer6, the hinge 110 can close the mounting bracket 108 so that the mounting bracket 108 is closed around the streamer6. In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 108 may still be secured such that the mounting bracket 108 does not open with the hinge. Instead, the mounting bracket 108 may have an opening112 at least as wide as a diameter of the streamer6 so that the mounting bracket 108 can slide onto the streamer6 through the opening112. In such embodiments, coupling mounting bracket 108 to SCU24 can hold mounting bracket 108 in place (e.g., around streamer6) relative to streamer6 during operation.

FIG. 8 illustrates by way of example a diagram describing an operational sequence of the submerged application system4 (e.g., shown in FIG. 5), in accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure. In step 114, in some embodiments, the submerged application system4 and the SCU24 may be initially immersed at a proximal end of the streamer6 or between a stern or stern of the survey vessel10 and a first geophysical sensor8, such as as shown in FIG. 1. In step 116, in some embodiments, the submerged application system4 and the SCU24 may move along streamer6 through the body of water14 while the hydrographic vessel10 tows streamer6, as shown in FIG. .1. In step 118, in some embodiments, a water pressure may increase above a threshold value, due to a speed and / or a direction of the survey vessel10 and / or a towing depth. The water pressure, when it reaches the threshold limit, can cause the control system26 to open to distribute the streamer coating78 onto the streamer6. In step 120, in some embodiments, the submerged application system4 and SCU24 can traverse the entire length of the streamer6 by scraping and then applying the streamer coating78 (e.g., shown in FIG. 3) on streamer6 until submerged delivery system4 and SCU24 reach the distal end of streamer6 which is opposite the proximal end of streamer6 which is secured against survey vessel10, as shown in FIG. 1, for example.

When the water pressure decreases below the threshold, due to a slower speed and / or a change of direction of the survey vessel10 and / or a lower towing depth, the valve28 may close. to prevent application of the flute coating78. Therefore, as discussed above, the submerged application system can be activated based on movement, speed and / or depth of the submerged application system4 along the streamer6. Activation of the submerged application system4 may include actuation of the valve28 of the submerged application system4. In some embodiments, valve 28 is configured to open while submerged dispensing system4 is moving, and closing as submerged dispensing system4 stops moving. In another embodiment, the valve 28 can be configured to remain open after the submerged application system 4 has started to move.

Further, as discussed above in some embodiments, submerged application system 4 can be coupled to SCU 24. SCU 24 can include any suitable cleaning device or elements for removing the growth of marine organisms from the streamers. 6. In one embodiment, SCU 24 is configured to remove growth of marine organisms from streamers 6 using scrapers 92 (eg, shown in FIG. 5) prior to coating application. flute 78 (e.g., shown in FIG. 3). The SCU 24 can be configured to move along a streamer 6 in an axial direction. In some embodiments, the SCU 24 can be configured to freely rotate around the streamer 6.

While only specific embodiments have been described above, however, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, even where a single embodiment is described in connection with a particular feature. Unless otherwise indicated, the example features provided in the disclosure are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. The above description is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents which would be obvious to those skilled in the art benefiting from this disclosure.

The scope of this disclosure includes any feature or combination of features disclosed herein (either explicitly or implicitly), or generalization thereof, whether or not it alleviates some or all of the issues discussed herein. Various advantages of the present disclosure have been described herein, but embodiments may provide some, all, or none of these advantages, or may provide other advantages.

Claims (21)

Submerged application system (4), comprising:
a housing (84) adapted for mounting on a streamer (6);
a cistern (82) coupled to the housing (84);
a delivery device (80) coupled to the housing (84) and configured to direct a streamer liner (78) from the cistern (82) onto the streamer (6) through the housing (84); and
a fluidic link (104) which places the cistern (82) in fluid communication with the dispensing device (80). A submerged application system (4) according to claim 1, wherein the cistern (82) is configured to contain the streamer liner (78). A submerged application system (4) according to claim 2, wherein the tank (82) is configured to contain compressed gas. A submerged application system (4) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the streamer coating (78) comprises at least one wax selected from a group consisting of animal wax, vegetable wax, petroleum wax, wax polyethylene, and a combination thereof. A submerged application system (4) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the streamer coating (78) comprises a lanolin wax. A submerged application system (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the dispensing device (80) comprises a plurality of nozzles (90) configured to spray the streamer coating (78) to apply the coating. from flute (78) to flute (6). A submerged application system (4) according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of nozzles (90) are positioned around a circumference of the streamer (6). A submerged application system (4) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the dispensing device (80) includes a mounting bracket (108) configured to support the plurality of nozzles (90). A submerged application system (4) according to claim 8, wherein the mounting bracket (108) includes a hinge (110) configured to open and close the mounting bracket (108). A submerged application system (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the dispensing device (80) comprises a brush applicator (106), a roller, a sponge, or any combination thereof. . A submerged application system (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a valve (28) configured to regulate a flow of the streamer liner (78) from the cistern (82) to the dispensing device. (80). A submerged application system (4) according to claim 11, wherein the valve (28) is configured to open or close to a predetermined depth in response to hydraulic pressure. A submerged application system (4) according to claim 11, wherein the valve (28) is configured to open or close in response to movement of the submerged application system (4) along the streamer (6). ). A submerged application system (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a plurality of tanks (82) coupled to the housing (84). A submerged application system (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a streamer guide (94) at a first end of the housing for receiving the streamer (6), wherein the dispensing device ( 80) is located at a second end of the housing (84). A submerged application system (4) according to claim 15, further comprising a plurality of cleaning elements (92) coupled to the housing (84) and positioned around a circumference of the streamer (6) to engage with the flute (6). A submerged application system (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the cistern (82) is hydrodynamically shaped for submerged movement. Process comprising:
fixing a submerged application system (4) on a streamer (6);
moving the submerged application system (4) along a length of the streamer (6) in a body of water while the streamer (6) is towed through the body of water; and
spraying a streamer coating (78) from the submerged application system (4) onto the streamer (6) as the submerged application system (4) moves along the streamer (6) in the body of water. The method of claim 18, wherein spraying the streamer coating (78) from the submerged application system (4) comprises spraying a wax onto the streamer (6). The method of claim 18, wherein spraying the streamer coating (78) from the application system comprises spraying lanolin wax onto the streamer (6). A method according to any of claims 18 to 20, further comprising scraping the streamer (6) to clean the streamer (6) prior to applying the streamer coating (78), and wherein spraying the streamer coating streamer (78) includes the flow of streamer liner (78) from a pressure vessel through nozzles (90) and then onto streamer (6).